In general, programs entitled 'urban planning' and those called 'urban and regional planning' cover the same basic skills and knowledge about cities. Degrees from these programs are considered interchangeable. An urban planning program is as likely to include course work concerning 'regional issues' as one called 'urban and regional planning.'

A number of advantages arise from studying planning in a city like Milwaukee. First, the size of the city is large enough to provide students with an opportunity to study first-hand the issues and problems associated with large urban areas. A large metro area like Milwaukee's affords a large number of opportunities for internships and class projects. The area provides learning opportunities in both older redeveloping contexts and newer, fast-growth suburban contexts. As with any big city, cultural diversity is another advantage. Faculty, clients for class projects, and students represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and values.

The graduating class usually numbers between 12 and 20 students. At any one time, between 40 and 60 students are enrolled in the program. Because joint students and part-time students are enrolled for more than two years, the number of students enrolled at any one time is larger than the number of incoming students plus the number of graduating students each year.

Core courses are composed almost entirely of graduate students in the master of urban planning program (a few graduate students in other programs elect to take these courses). In elective courses, classes may consist of a combination of urban planning students and students in other graduate and (for U/G courses) undergraduate majors.

Overall, about 80% of the students in the urban planning program are full-time students.

Yes, a student may complete the program as a part-time student. The program faculty has established a rotation of core courses offered in the evening for those students working full-time. Because of the number of credits required and the need to complete the first-year core courses before beginning the second-year core, part-time students can expect to spend approximately four to five years to earn the degree.

Unlike urban studies or geography (or sociology, political science or other discipline-based masters degrees) the Master of Urban Planning is a professional degree, oriented toward the skills and knowledge required by professional planners. Unlike public administration or business administration, planning focuses less on day-to-day management issues and focuses more on the identification of long-term needs and strategies for achieving long-term goals. Compared to public administration, a planning curriculum provides more hands-on practice in dealing with issues related to place.